A look at UB's 2-deep roster and eight team captains

The University at Buffalo football team's two-deep roster looks like a pretty good mix of experience and youth.

There are 12 senior starters out of 24 offensive and defensive positions. Of the 50 players on the two-deep roster, only 16 are seniors, which is a good thing . . . presuming, of course, the talent is good enough.

Notes: Coach Jeff Quinn said Blodtgett and Manosalvas essentially will share the right guard position. It's an indication of how good the young Manosalvas, from New Jersey, has looked in preseason. . . . Willoughby has asserted himself into the mix at wideout with a strong August. And it's a big mix. Expect seven or eight wideouts to see playing time. . . . Murphy, a true freshman, has made the two-deep. But it remains to be seen whether he will red-shirt. Quinn doesn't decide until after the season.

DEFENSE

DE: Brandon Crawford-So., Max Perisse-So.

NG: Kristjan Sokoli-Sr., Dalton Barksdale-Sr.

DE: Tedroy Lynch-Sr., Kendall Roberson-Sr.

OLB: Jarrett Franklin-So., Kyril Threats-Jr.

ILB: Lee Skinner-Sr., Greg Lis-R-Fr., Solomon Jackson-R-Fr.

ILB: Jake Stockman-Sr., Travis Pitzonka-Jr., or Nick Gilbo-Jr.

OLB: Okezie Alozie-Jr., C.J. Stancil-So., or Houston Glass-So.

CB: Cortney Lester-Sr., Brandon Williams-Fr.

SS: Adam Redden-Sr., Brandon Berry-Jr.

FS: Witney Sherry-Sr., Andrews Dadeboe-R-Fr.

CB: Marqus Baker-Jr., Dwellie Striggles-Sr.

Notes: Crawford, who showed flashes late last season, asserted himself to win a starting job, which allows Barksdale to back up at nose guard. . . . Threats, a transfer from Erie Community College, has looked explosive. . . . True freshman who look like they may play this year are the cornerback, Williams, from Georgia, and safety Ryan Williamson, from Cincinnati.

SPECIAL TEAMS

P: Tyler Grassman-Jr. Brian Orzechowski-Sr.

K: Patrick Clarke-Sr., Grassman.

LS: Corbin Grassman-So., Marcus McGill.

KOR: Devin Campbell, Jamrl Eiland or Jacob Martinez.

PR: Marcus McGill, Campbell.

About the reporter

Buffalo native Mark Gaughan started working at The News in 1980 and covered the Bills from 1992 through 2014. He is a former president of the Pro Football Writers of America.

Amy Moritz, a native of Lockport, has covered colleges for The Buffalo News since 1999. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism/mass communication from St. Bonaventure University and a master's degree in humanities from the University at Buffalo. An endurance athlete, she has completed several triathlons, half marathons and marathons.